Selena Gomez’s partner has always felt “confident” growing up, thanks to his family who helped keep him grounded. Recently, he stirred up social media as users voiced disapproval over his selection as part of this year’s “Sexiest Man Alive” roster.

Selena Gomez’s boyfriend, Benny Blanco, was hailed one of the sexiest in People’s “Sexiest Man Alive” issue for 2024, sparking online controversy. Despite the backlash, he’s more than just a headline—he’s a Hall of Famer who sees a future with Gomez.

Speaking to People for his Sexiest Man Alive feature, Blanco candidly opened up about his rules for being a sexy gentleman. Reflecting on his roots in Virginia, he shared, “I always felt pretty confident. My mom was like, ‘You’re the best,’ and my brother was always so sweet to me. He always paved the way, always made sure people were nice to me.”

With a blend of humor and a bold sense of style, the star embraces modern masculinity while staying rooted in chivalry. Beyond his charm, Blanco is a Grammy-nominated producer who has crafted hits for stars like Ed Sheeran and collaborated with artists such as Halsey and Khalid. A TikTok favorite, he has also been honored with the prestigious Hal David Starlight Award for his impact on the music industry.

A true creative both in and out of the studio, the celebrity is also a devoted food lover and cookbook author. He loves hosting themed dinners at his Los Angeles home, where he cooks favorites like homemade Taco Bell and deep-fried pickles for his girlfriend. Despite his success, it’s the “simple” pleasures that make him happiest, he said.

For Blanco, cooking is about showing his partner love, even if it means learning a new recipe or asking about her favorite dish. He mentioned that chivalry matters, advising, “Tell her how pretty she is.” He’s even perfected Taco Bell’s signature meat from scratch, saying, “It’s disgusting, but it’s delicious.”

When it comes to cooking for Gomez, whom he began dating in 2023, his humor shines through. As he joked in another interview, “How can anyone not love you if you’re making them a huge steak with potatoes and salad?”

He’s also an early riser, describing mornings with Gomez as his favorite time of day. “It’s like our moment before the rest of the world wakes up,” he explained. Reflecting on their relationship, Blanco added, “I have a true best friend that I get to do everything in the world with, and every day is the best day of my life.”

The two had known each other for years before their relationship blossomed. They even collaborated on the 2021 song “I Can’t Get Enough.” Gomez, who was single for years before dating Blanco, opened up about her journey to finding love in a May 2024 interview.

“I was alone for five years, and I got really used to it,” the actress revealed, adding that she even planned to adopt by 35 if she hadn’t met anyone. Initially, she saw Blanco as a friend and even asked if he could set her up with someone.

But after he invited her to a birthday party to meet a friend, she realized her feelings for him. As she put it, “It just happens when you least expect it.”

However, her relationship with Blanco, whom she described as “wonderful,” hasn’t been without its critics. Gomez has faced backlash and has taken to social media to defend her connection with the record executive.

Responding to the negativity, she posted, “Then why has he been the best thing that’s ever happened to me … he’s still better than anyone I’ve been with. Facts.”

Blanco, for his part, appears deeply committed to their relationship. During a May 2024 interview on “The Howard Stern Show,” he expressed his hopes for a family someday, sharing his love for being around children.

When asked about proposing, he reflected on his feelings for Gomez, saying, “When I look at her, I do say, ‘I’m always just like I don’t know a world where it could be better than this.'”

In a separate interview, Gomez responded to his openness about settling down, playfully noting, “He can’t lie to save his life. If he’s asked a question, he’ll answer it.” The singer reflected on her own guarded nature, shaped by years in the spotlight and the impact of public scrutiny on those close to her.

Despite occasional criticism from fans about her life choices, she expressed admiration for Blanco’s resilience, pointing out his strength in not letting outside opinions affect him. Gomez cherishes their time together, expressing confidence that he “isn’t going anywhere any time soon.”

Despite her appreciation for Blanco’s strength and grounded nature, his recent selection as Sexiest Man Alive has sparked strong reaction.

Social media has been buzzing, with some users on X voicing surprise, disapproval, and skepticism. “How much did Selena paid [sic] for this? He’s so… ew (it’s a joke, don’t sue me),” one person quipped.

Another user asked, “This has to be a joke right..? RIGHT?????” “Selena paid for this,” commented another. One user sarcastically questioned, “Is the sexiest man alive in the room with us?”

“Are you kidding me?” another replied in disbelief. “……………. I’m sorry what?” wrote another, showing clear surprise. One user commented, “Only thing sexy about him is his girlfriend.”

Meanwhile, on Facebook, people took a more supportive stance, focusing on Blanco’s character. “The way he treats Selena, he’s a gentleman, and that’s a kind of sexy that goes beyond looks,” one user stated.

Another fan shared, “I think he’s sweet, funny, talented. Has beautiful curly hair and amazing eyes on top of how he treats her. He goes above and beyond to make her feel special. That is sexy [expletive].” “Maybe is [sic] not about looks, but he is a really nice guy,” another added.

One commenter reflected, “Honestly I can see it; he treats her like a queen and he respects and loves her. It seems he was raised right. It isn’t always about looks people, it’s what’s inside that counts. And that can make a man sexy.”

The contrasting reactions to Blanco’s title reveal a divide between those who value traditional good looks and those who appreciate character and kindness as forms of attraction. Regardless of the debate, it’s clear that his relationship with Selena Gomez has brought a new layer of public interest and admiration for the couple.